25 Sunday Sep 2022
Æthelmearc Æcademy and War College is coming! We have some wonderful classes already registered for both the in-person and the virtual classes, but we have room for LOTS MORE!
Register your class and join us in a 2-day learning event on November 12th and 13th!
Teacher registration form can be found here
Event information can be found here.
28 Sunday Aug 2022
Fall 2022 Æcademy and War College will be held in 2 parts:
The Shire of Abhain Caich Ghlais is hosting an in-person Æcademy and War College on November 12, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church and the Hughesville Fire Hall in Hughesville, PA.
Please visit website here for more information
A virtual Æcademy will be held on November 13, 2022.
Please visit website here for more information.
TEACHER REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR BOTH IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL AECADEMIES!
Please visit website here for more information!!
29 Wednesday Jun 2022
Posted in Archery, Æthelmeac Æcademy, Teaching
Another amazing Spring Æthelmearc Æcademy and War College transpired this weekend, perfectly hosted by the Shire of Coppertree at a well-equipped Scouting Campground. As part of the War College track, several classes covering different types of martial arts were on the menu, like throwing the Ancient Roman plumbata, throwing axes side arm, as well as fencing, but with a German longsword. Two classes especially stood out this weekend: martial classes who did not only taught how to do the thing, but also discussed the why. Hersir Marek Viachedrago discussed visual calibration during Heavy fights – why did this fighter take the shot, but that fighter did not? – for the non-fighting observer, adding context to fights otherwise mostly only appreciated by those who have done so themselves.
Bjarki instructing Master Robert of Ferness on where and why to anchor your string-hand.
Another martial class I am particularly excited about, and was very happy to be able to take myself, is the “Olympic Archery Fundamentals for Medieval Archery” taught by THLord Bjarki Rikarðarson. After being foiled not once, but twice, in the finals of the Kingdom Archery Championship against Baron Snorri skyti Bjarnarson, our newest member of the Scarlet Guard, I figured I need to up my game! I came away with several tips to work on, but especially, with a number of insights into the mechanics of how bow and body work together I had not previously been aware of, or ever heard being put into visuals and words. I found the class extremely beneficial, and feel any aspiring archer should check it out – I know I will again. Even our teenage archer Simon has practiced at home what he learned in class, wanting to retake it again when he can – and that is quite the compliment!
I asked THLord Bjarki if he could tell us a little more about his ideas behind this class and his SCAdian and mundane experiences teaching archery.
Ælfric the Kestrel from Ealdormere instructing youth Simon á Fjárfelli to line up properly with the target.
Bjarki shared his archery class is a pretty standard class used for introducing people to archery and onto the path of competition shooting (known as Olympic archery style). He was certified as an USA Archery coach/teacher about three years ago. He says: “Some of the local traditional guys mentioned coaching for the YMCA as a side gig and I followed up on that. They put me through the training for it and I spent a handful of my Saturday mornings teaching kids to shoot. Pretty fulfilling to see how excited a 6 to 10 year old gets when they hit the target.
Before that, I’ve been using a bow my entire life. Everything from traditional to compound shooting. I’ve been successfully bow hunting since I was 13.
Ælfric the Kestrel came down from the Kingdom of Ealdormere. He has taken the equivalent course for certification in Canada. Originally, he wanted to come shoot and to see Snorri get inducted into the Scarlet Guard but since the event was all classes, I asked him to assist me with my class. His input was nice because he shoots very differently than I do and shoots well that way.
Detailed instructions can be found here.
I would like to teach this “class” again, but really, anytime I’m on the range I can coach and assist with the knowledge I have. Unofficially, I’ve been giving this class and coaching people in the SCA my entire SCA career. It really makes me happy to give someone advice, see them process it, and then successfully use it to accomplish a goal.”
THLord Bjarki has won archery tournaments, is an archery marshal, and the current Shire of Coppertree’s Captain of the Archers. When you see him on the range, feel free to ask your pointy questions as he clearly loves to enable others into the arts of archery!
-elska
11 Saturday Jun 2022
Posted in Arts & Sciences, Æthelmeac Æcademy, Teaching
Greetings all!
We are very excited by the first in-person Æthelmearc Æcademy since 2019! The Shire of Coppertree is graciously hosting us at Camp Kingsley in Ava, NY on June 18th 2022. We have a wide array of classes ready for you, so come out and learn new things!
A preliminary schedule and class list are now available on the Æthelmearc Æcademy website
PLEASE NOTE some classes require additional fees for materials or that you bring your own supplies, so be prepared if you are interested in taking those classes.
Schedule for the day is as follows:
Additional event information can be found here.
The site is a boy scout camp so the classes are spread out through various buildings and grounds. If you need assistance finding your classroom let us know! All of the classroom buildings have electricity, and all of the classrooms will have bottled water for general use. The tap water in the camp is from a well-regulated spring-fed lake so it is also quite potable.
Current COVID policy for the Kingdom of Æthelmearc (and we do not expect this to change anytime soon) is that everyone over the age of 2, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask indoors.
All of the classrooms with the exception of the War College are indoors and, therefore, EVERYONE over the age of 2 INCLUDING TEACHERS MUST BE MASKED FOR THE DURATION OF EACH CLASS. The classrooms will have signs reminding attendees of this fact.
We know this might be difficult to manage but we are the SCA and courtesy dictates that we follow policy, and that we are patient with the difficulties this may present. We would recommend that you each bring one or more masks, and a straw to allow you to drink out of a bottle or mug without needing to remove your mask.
You must also eat out of doors, but the autocrat has assured us that there are plenty of tables in the various open structures and porches to allow for this.
Teachers are allowed to move classes outside if permitted by the weather and class structure.
Please feel free to contact either the Æcademy staff or the autocrat, Baron Snorri skyti Bjarnarsson, if you have any questions.
We look forward to seeing all of you on the 18th!
Fridrikr, Orianna, and Beatrix
Chancellors of the Æcademy and War College
14 Saturday May 2022
Posted in Arts & Sciences, Event Announcements & Updates, Teaching
Who is ready for some learning? Many amazing teachers have heeded my call for classes at this years War Practice! We have decided to go paperless so no class handouts will be available. However, if you need a printed copy, please email me to request one. Did you know that there is an App for War Practice this year? Here is the link: https://eventee.co/event/16244 The event schedule is listed there as well.
Yours in service,
Lady Vika Vyborskaia
Friday Classes
9:00 AM
Tent 1 – How to Write Poetry Like a Well-Mannered Brute – A poetry workshop for the aspiring heart! An introduction to various period-specific forms, devices, figurative language, the mysteries of enjambment, and the acrostic! Come with longing, leave with poems of your own devising! (2 Hours) – Morien MacBain – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
Tent 3 – How to Open Up a Can of Worms Without Making Too Much of a Mess: Starting an SCA Research Project – Does research and documentation seem overwhelming? Are you interested in doing an A&S project but don’t know where to start? This class will teach you how to find, evaluate, and document the sources you need to research and complete an A&S project in any category. (1 Hour) – Rosie Dubroc – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
10:00 AM
Tent 2 – Introduction to Fingerloop Braiding – Learn some basic fingerloop braiding patterns you can use to create necklaces, bracelets, lacing, medallion cords, etc. (1 Hour) – Forveleth Dunde – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
Tent 3 – Cofia y Tranzado: The Omnipresent Spanish Headwear – In 1500s Spain, the cofia y tranzado (cap and braid case) was all the rage. Worn by women of virtually every rank, it could dress up, dress down, and be styled in a wide variety of ways. This class will survey the many different examples we have of the garment in use, and will include a pattern and all details needed to make and wear your own (it’s easy!) (1 Hour) – Baroness Elena de la Palma – (Adults)
11:00 AM
Tent 2 – Castle Knitting for Children – Children will use a very basic knitting-style skill to create a rope/snake/cord to be used as imagination dictates! Best for ages 7 and up, though many 6-year-olds can manage fine with parental assistance. – Limit 10 kids per class. No materials fee. (1 Hour) – Elsa Taliard – (Kids 6 and up with Adult)
Tent 3 – Voice Heralding 101 – From SCA.org: “Voice heralds” are used for “crying out announcements, announcing the fighters entering the list field, as well as acting as the voice of the nobility in court, reading the scrolls that accompany the awards being given out.” “Book heralds”: helping members of the SCA to research period names and design devices (armory), as well as registering them with the SCA College of Heralds. “Protocol heralds”: recording the awards and honors that are given in court, drafting period-style ceremonies for use in court, determining the precedence of award holders, as well as other legal niceties in all sorts of situations. This class deals with Voice Heralds. Learn how to project your voice, how to present yourself, what to say, and how to say it! (1 Hour) – Baron Snorri skyti Bjarnarsson – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
12:00 PM
Tent 1 – The Song of Breath: Troubadour Poetry and Lore – A survey of the history and stories of the troubadour poets, rich in anecdote, and with reference to particular motifs and forms of their art. Special attention will be paid to the sestina form! (2 Hours) – Morien MacBain – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
Tent 2 – MOL What’s that? – Learning how to run all types of tournaments. (1 Hour) – Lady Vika Vyborskaia – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
Tent 3 – How to be an SCA Assassin – An Introduction to having a persona that is nefarious and not getting into trouble; includes accoutrements, A&S ideas, and other suggestions. (1 Hour) – THL Maggie Rue – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
1:00 PM
Tent 2 – En Espanol: Defining Characteristics of Women’s Fashion in Spain from 1500 – 1600 – What makes Spanish fashion distinct from, well, anywhere else? That’s a big question, but we’ll try to answer it for one particular segment: women’s fashion from 1500-1600. We’ll look at everything from materials, cut, and construction to embellishments, undergarments, and accessories, reviewing commonalities from image and inventory sources of the time. – Baroness Elena de la Palma – (Adult)
Tent 3 – Mushroom Foraging Safety 101 – Wild Mushrooms are sexy. Gastrointestinal distress is not. Let’s get you out there foraging safely! Wild mushroom petting zoo last 1/2 hour of class, appx. Class Limit 15 (2 Hours) – Elsa Taliard – (Adults Only, NO ONE UNDER 18)
2:00 PM
Tent 1 – Night’s Black Agents: Elizabethan Espionage – A survey of Elizabeth’s intelligence service, spymasters, codes, and night’s black agents, as well as the litany of conspiracies and plots they faced! (1.5 Hours) – Morien MacBain – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
3:00 PM
Tent 2 – Risqué Pompeii: Art Under the Volcano – Upon the discovery of Pompeii, and its neighbor Herculaneum, Victorian explorers were both surprised and horrified by what they found. The sexually explicit artwork they uncovered would forever change their view of Ancient Rome and eventually lead to our modern concept of pornography. Come have a look at the artwork that caused such an uproar that it was hidden away for nearly two centuries. Ages 18+ (1 Hour) – Rosie Dubroc – (Adults)
Tent 3 – The Guzheng, The Chinese Zither – This is a basic informational class on the guzheng, a Chinese stringed instrument. I will give an overview of the history and evolution of the instrument in the relevant time frame of the SCA and weather permitting, will bring the instrument out to demonstrate basic techniques of how it was played. (1 Hour) – Brigette de Sainte Mere-Eglise – (Adults)
4:00 PM
Tent 2 – Introduction to Combat Archery – Have you ever wanted to be a part of the action on the battlefield, but didn’t want to swing a sword? Have you ever wanted to shoot back at that pesky archer who keeps killing you? Give combat archery a try. The class will cover the basics of combat archery: what equipment you need, the rules, and basic tactics. (1 Hour) – Freiherr Friderich Swartzwalder – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
Tent 3 – Cooking the Books – a Review of Period Cookbooks – The class will look at almost 60 period cookbooks. The teacher will give her opinion on the usability of each book. A handout will be provided listing all the books and a table will be included listing the features of each book. (2 Hours) – Baroness Oddkatla Jonsdottir – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
5:00 PM
Tent 2 – Jakob Fugger, The Richest Person Who Ever Lived – A look at the life of Augsburg banker Jakob Fugger. He financed Popes, Kings, and Emperors. Learn about the person who redefined banking and established modern capitalism. A person who was despised by many, including those who needed his services. (1 Hour) – Freiherr Friderich Swartzwalder – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
Saturday Classes
9:00 AM
Tent 1 – Roman Wire and Bead Jewelry – Examine Roman jewelry artifacts that can be recreated using simple materials and tools. Kits and handouts available. Students encouraged to bring round needle nose pliers, wire cutters, and bead mats. Students must be able to safely use wire cutters. Limit 15 Cost $10 for supplies for a full necklace and earrings (2 Hours) – Dame Elizabethe Alles – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
Tent 2 – Medallion making – This make and take class will teach you how to make a painted medallion with a glass cabochon. These are ideal for largesse, heraldic display, or award medallions. All supplies provided, including real lambskin vellum. Limit 12 Cost $5 (1.5 Hour) – Nichola Beese – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
Tent 3 – Pasamanos: A Survey of Spanish Needlework – Spain has a rich tradition of needlework dating back hundreds of years into period. This class will trace the development of this tradition, starting with some of the earliest examples and extending to lacemaking, drawnwork, and the other highly complex styles found decorating ruffs, camisas, and more during the Spanish Golden Age. Focus is on exposure to styles, not on learning the techniques involved. (1 Hour) – Baroness Elena de la Palma – (Adult)
10:00 AM
Tent 2 – Bayeux Stitch Embroidery – Cone learn Bayeux stitch! This historically accurate technique combines outline or stem stitch and couching and laid work techniques, allowing you to cover large areas with ease and stitch non-geometric and pectoral designs. Limit 12 Cost $5 (1.5 Hours) – Renata Rouge & Nichola Beese – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
Tent 3 – Fabric and Embellishment in Late Period Spanish Clothing: Evidence from the Inventories – What fabrics would a Spanish queen wear? How would her garments be decorated? This class explores some answers to these questions by surveying recorded inventories of Isabel of Portugal, Juana of Castile, and other contemporary Spanish royal women from 1530 – 1600. (1 Hour) – Baroness Elena de la Palma – (Adult)
A&S Pavilion – Tent 1 – Weedwalk – Walk through the campground to appreciate and identify wild plants and learn some of their uses and dangers. Please wear sturdy shoes. Rain or shine. Limit 20 – Baroness Sadira bint Wassouf – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
11:00 AM
Tent 1 – So, you want to be an Apothecary in the SCA – This class is an introduction to Apothecaries throughout different eras and cultures and how best to portray one in reenactment, LARP-ing, or any fictional setting. In addition, discussion will be provided on how to create research papers and projects, as well as gifts and largesse that are persona oriented. (1 Hour) – THL Maggie Rue – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
Tent 3 – Mushroom Foraging Safety 101 – Wild Mushrooms are sexy. Gastrointestinal distress is not. Let’s get you out there foraging safely! Wild mushroom petting zoo last 1/2 hour of class, appx. Class Limit 15 (2 Hours) – Elsa Taliard – (Adults Only, NO ONE UNDER 18)
12:00 PM
Tent 2 – Tips for Teaching a Better A&S Class – Whether you are planning your first class or have been teaching for a while, A&S classes can be a lot of work to develop and present. This class aims to provide some helpful tips to make it simpler and more efficient to turn your ideas into classes that are both easy for you to teach and easy for your students to understand. (1 Hour) – Rosie Dubroc – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
Campsite – Forester Flint and Steel Firemaking – The House Sable Maul Camp – This class will involve a variety of skills involved in creating a fire quickly and reliably with flint and steel. A variety of char materials, tinder, and kindling will be considered, as well as the ability to locate ort make such materials in the wilderness. All class materials will be provided, enough for ten students will be on hand. (2 Hours) – Rikardr Vid-Bjorn – Limit 10 – (Any, Youth with Adult supervision)
1:00 PM
Tent 1 – Art Analysis For Living History – As more and more Medieval and Renaissance art becomes accessible, there are more and more exciting opportunities to create and appreciate art across cultures and time periods. Join us for a fun, interactive workshop to explore a way to analyze extant scroll illumination or paintings to identify specific details for creating realistically period art, to assess your own illuminations, or just for an additional level of enjoyment. This class is appropriate for any age or level of ability and interest, especially beginners in illumination. (1 Hour) – Baroness Sadira bint Wassouf – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
Tent 3 – Newcomers Meet & Greet – (1 hour)
2:00 PM
Tent 2 – Castle Knitting for Children – Children will use a very basic knitting-style skill to create a rope/snake/cord to be used as imagination dictates! Best for ages 7 and up, though many 6-year-olds can manage fine with parental assistance. – Limit 10 kids per class. No materials fee. (1 Hour) – Elsa Taliard – (Kids 6 and up with Adult)
Tent 3 – Turkish Hat Making – Make and take class where you get to make an Ottoman Tarpus hat. Some knowledge of hand sewing required, materials provided – though if you have a specific fabric you’d like to use, please bring it. – Limit 10 hat makers (2 Hours) – THL Sumayya Ghaziyya – (Adult)
3:00 PM
Tent 1 – The Way of Saint James: Pilgrims to Santiago – We will examine the legends, history, and lore of the *Camino de Santiago*, with special emphasis on the nature of medieval pilgrimage, sites of special historic, religious, and cultural importance along the route, plus advice for planning and completing the pilgrimage today. Taught by former pilgrims. *¡Buen camino!* (2 Hours) – Morien MacBain – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
Tent 2 – “Kingdom MOL Meet & Greet” – As I’ve recently taken office, I would like to be able to meet personally with as many MOLs from around the kingdom as possible. If you are an MOL, interested in becoming an MOL, or just are curious about what it is that a Minster of the List does, please come and visit. (2 Hours) – Odriana – (Adult)
4:00 PM
Tent 2 – “Authorization Clerk Demo and Q&A” – Join Odriana, Deputy Authorization Clerk for the Kingdom, for a demonstration of the new online authorization form. This is also an opportunity for any Marshals that have not had the opportunity to give permission to be included on the online form so that your local fighters can use the form. There will also be time for Q&A in case you have any questions about the authorization process. (2 Hours) – Odriana – (Adult)
27 Wednesday Apr 2022
Posted in Arts & Sciences, KMOAS, Teaching
Rumblings of War have reached our borders and to help prepare, the Shire of Steltonwald invites all to gather at Cooper’s Lake Campground May 19-22, 2022 for the Æthelmearc War Practice XXXI.
Class coordinator Lady Vika Vyborskaia would like to remind the populace that this week is THE LAST CALL to schedule your class or order meeting for War Practice!
The deadline being this coming Friday, April 27th. Get your classes and workshops on the schedule to make sure you have room inside the wonderful water proof and sun shading class tents. This is a perfect opportunity to dust off those in-person make & take classes we’ve missed so much during our Plague-induced shift to virtual class offerings. Please email Lady Vika asap as there are still a few time slots available for Friday and Saturday!
Merriment in the Brewers Tent – the brewers competition and social of War Practice 2019.
The Royal Æthelmearc Guild of Brewers, Vintners, and Meadhers plans a well deserved Round Table and Social of copious libations, lively discussions and stories of unusual plague brewings… We invite anyone to come hang out with us – and brewers, please bring a sample of whatever you concocted to share! Tentatively scheduled for Friday early evening. Contact Elska with any questions.
Master Robert of Sugar Grove teaching the Youth of Æthelmearc how to safely operate a hand plane, War Practice 2019.
The much anticipated Wood Workshop and Hand Tool Tastings will happen once again under the expert tutelage of Master Robert of Sugar Grove. He loves sharing his knowledge with those gentles interested in learning more about hand tool woodworking as well offer the opportunity to experience hand tools and equipment often unfamiliar to the modern woodworker.
But wait, there is more! Once again War Practice will have access to the Great Hall! Bring your projects in progress! Bring your curiosity! Bring your displays! Saturday from 1 to 5pm we will have A&S PLAY TIME! Stay tuned for more detail…
And during A&S Playtime, The Kingdom Ministry of Arts & Sciences will arrange for an A&S Consultation Table for those new, and not so new, to the arts & sciences to chat about projects, progress and inspirations as well as ask questions about research, documentation and entering for future events. The KMoAS is here to enable serve your A&S endeavors to the best of our combined abilities!
Come join us as we endeavor to explore all of the martial and arts & sciences activities the society offers. This will include Rattan, Fencing, Archery, Thrown Weapons, Combat Archery, and Siege with several Kingdom Championships on the schedule. The peaceful pursuits include an extensive A&S class track and meetings, as well as shopping, dancing, and more.
Shenanigans by Master Robert of Ferness and THLady Lasairfhiona inghean Aindriasa in the Brewers tent involving big and tasty balls… Chocolate Beer Bacon Brownie Balls – really what else could we mean?!
For updates as they become available, please visit the Steltonwalt website and keep an eye out for the Class Schedule next week.
-elska
30 Wednesday Mar 2022
Posted in Arts & Sciences, Æthelmeac Æcademy, Teaching
We are pleased to announce that Spring Æthelmearc Æcademy and War College is a go!
The Æthelmearc Æcademy and War College provides a forum for the sharing of topics, research, and skills as part of the Kingdom of Æthelmearc. This year, the Shire of Coppertree is hosting the event at Camp Kingsley in Ava, New York. We have lots of space for classes of all varieties including classes in the War College and the campground kitchen!
Have you never taught at Æthelmearc Æcademy before? Check out the Resources page on the Æcademy website for helpful hints on successfully teaching at Æcademy.
Please visit the Æcademy web page for more information and to register your class.
Fridrikr & Orianna
Chancellors of the Æcademy